The number of moles acquired after birth is the highest risk factor for malignant melanoma. People with more than 100 moles have a seven times increased risk of developing this type of skin cancer. Sunburns in childhood and adolescence increase the risk of skin cancer two to three times.
Genetic predispositions also play a role: people with fair skin, reddish or blond hair, a tendency to freckles, sunburn spots or with a family member who has malignant melanoma can have a doubled risk per factor of developing this disease themselves.
